hydros geothermal power plant vienna

urban design concept
the project hydros will become a milestone in vienna’s decarbonization strategy. it is the result of extensive research, technical innovation, and the efficient integration of multiple disciplines. the impact of these preliminary efforts will be both energetically perceptible and measurable. the physical presence of the operations building aims to make the dynamic energy exchange between the power stations and the “power plant earth” visible.
the conceptual foundation is the translation of the “invisible” technical, hydrogeological, and geomorphological processes underlying the hydros project into an architectural and artistic expression. the building envelope of the power station becomes a sculptural information surface: prefabricated, uniform membrane elements are serially and additively mounted on a slender steel framework. this “visualization of the invisible” relies on subtle artistic interventions, transforming underground conditions into surface-level color fields and coded compositions.
facade greening features ground-rooted climbing and trailing plants on all building sides, while the translucent channel-glass surfaces remain vegetation-free. the roof is designed as an extensive green roof, consistent with the original planning.
the basic design of the power station is already approved and aligned with the zoning and building regulations. the proposed facade concept builds upon these parameters while transforming a purely functional industrial structure into an architectural statement of innovation and environmental consciousness.

architectural concept
the facade design is guided by the principles of transformation, communication of scientific and technical content, and the interpretation of decarbonization through lightness and scale. it aims to interweave the technological aspirations of the future with natural growth and vegetation. simultaneously, the power station shall be recognizable as a flagship innovation project of wien energie.
the architectural design retains the existing structural and thermal envelope. deviations occur primarily in the base zone, where translucent channel-glass panels introduce visual permeability, natural light, and the potential for artistic illumination. the facade panels are made of precast aerated concrete elements, ensuring durability and frost resistance. the upper termination of the suspended facade takes a roof-like form, providing additional weather protection.

functional aspects
the suspended facade offers multiple layers of flexibility: it accommodates technical requirements such as pipe penetrations, gates, doors, and service openings, while also adapting to site-specific conditions through an inherently modular and adaptive system. it provides rain protection for the thermal envelope and delivery zones, allows controlled wind permeability to reduce wind loads, and, due to its high degree of prefabrication, enables rapid installation on site.

ecological aspects
material use is minimized wherever possible. the concept emphasizes long service life and the use of recycled membrane and frame materials whenever technically feasible. this approach requires close collaboration with recycling agencies and research institutions to ensure true circularity.

economic aspects in construction and operation
the facade concept remains within the defined budget, as it builds upon the existing base design with only minor modifications in the lower section (channel glazing). high prefabrication levels and serial production are expected to have a positive cost impact.
the membrane facade operates without any energy input (e.g., lighting or irradiation) to prevent light pollution. operational costs are therefore minimal, limited to periodic inspections, cleaning at self-determined intervals, and occasional replacement of individual membrane panels. the panels are easily removable and repairable in a workshop environment.

energy and conceptual relation
from the “power plant earth,” geothermal boreholes transfer heated water to the surface and into the aspern power station, where energy is extracted and the cooled water is returned underground. this nearly invisible, highly technological cycle of decarbonization between the subsurface and the power station is the conceptual core of the design.
the facade translates these hidden hydrogeological and geomorphological processes into a tangible form. the building envelope acts as a sculptural information surface where artistic transformations interpret subsurface data through color coding and layered compositions.

across vienna, all hydros facilities will follow a coherent corporate design language, ensuring recognizability while expressing site-specific geological narratives. the modular membrane system allows easy geometric adaptation to various building and technical contexts.

possible sources of transformation
hydrogeological research and data analysis within the vienna urban area
interpretation of drilling profiles and stratigraphic structures
spatial representation of hydrogeological systems through sectional studies
sedimentological analysis of grain sizes and compositions